Seleni Institute’s Approach to Perimenopause, Menopause, and Mental Health

Menopause is often discussed in terms of hot flashes, sleep problems, and other physical symptoms, but the mental and emotional impact can be just as significant. In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill talks with Seema Bajaj, Executive Director of the Seleni Institute, and Dr. Mary Riddle, reproductive psychologist and lead instructor for Seleni’s new peri/menopause mental health course, about why mental health needs to become a bigger part of perimenopause and menopause care and how better education can help both women and the professionals who support them.   Seema Bajaj is a healthcare operations executive with nearly 20 years of experience in clinical operations, financial management, and strategic planning across academic medicine, research, and nonprofit healthcare. As Executive Director of the Seleni Institute (https://seleni.org/team/seema-bajaj) , a global nonprofit dedicated to transforming mental healthcare by addressing the unique needs of women, mothers, and families, she leads the organization’s operations and strategic growth, advancing its mission to expand access to maternal and reproductive mental health care and professional training worldwide.   Dr. Mary Riddle is a licensed clinical health psychologist and reproductive mental health expert with over 20 years of experience specializing in infertility, third-party reproduction, pregnancy loss, and perinatal mental health. She is an Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology at Penn State University and has served in leadership roles within the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Mental Health Professional Group.    Key Concepts Covered  • Mental health symptoms during perimenopause and menopause deserve the same attention as physical symptoms. Anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, feeling overwhelmed, and simply "not feeling like yourself" can all be part of the menopause experience. Women need to understand that these concerns are worth discussing with their healthcare providers.  • Identity can shift throughout the reproductive lifespan. Infertility, parenthood, perimenopause, and menopause can all challenge a woman's sense of identity. At midlife, women may be balancing roles as parents, partners, caregivers, and professionals while simultaneously experiencing significant changes in their bodies and minds.  • Workplaces need to make menopause speakable. Sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, brain fog, migraines, and other symptoms can affect attendance, productivity, confidence, and women's willingness to pursue new opportunities.  Employers should be encouraged to begin by creating space for conversations, offering educational programs such as webinars or lunch-and-learns, and helping managers better understand what employees may be experiencing.  • There's a need for menopause-trained mental health professionals. Seleni Institute is developing peri/menopause mental health education designed to help expand the number of professionals with specialized knowledge in this area. Building on the model established in perinatal mental health, the goal is to help clinicians recognize concerns, screen appropriately, and connect patients with additional care when needed.  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be one tool in the menopause toolbox. There is research supporting CBT for certain menopausal symptoms, including anxiety and depression as well as some vasomotor symptoms. It can be particularly relevant when considering non-hormonal treatment options, although it isn't the only form of therapy that may benefit women.  • Starting the conversation can be an important first step. When something doesn't feel right, make an appointment with a primary care provider or OB-GYN and speak up, even when having difficulty describing exactly what they're experiencing. Self-advocacy can be an important first step toward finding appropriate care.   Improving perimenopause and menopause care means recognizing that physical and mental health are interconnected. Women need healthcare professionals who understand that connection, employers who make it possible to talk openly about menopause, and mental health professionals with the training to support the unique challenges that can arise during this transition.  For women who are thinking, "I just don't feel like myself," the message from this conversation is simple: start talking about it. Make the appointment, raise the issue, and advocate for the support you need. For clinicians and employers, the responsibility is just as important. Make space for those conversations and help ensure women know where to turn for meaningful support.  Connect with Seema:  • Website: https://seleni.org (https://seleni.org/)   • LinkedIn:  •   / seema-bajaj-73a52622b    •   / seleni-institute    • Facebook:   / selenidotorg     • Instagram: https://www.instagram.c...